Fallon off the mark in Florida

Kieren Fallon got his winter spell at Gulfstream Park, Florida off to the best possible start yesterday.

The former champion jockey guided the Kiaran McLaughlin-trained Cartoonist to a half-length victory in the ninth race on the card – and afterwards spoke of his desire to prove himself Stateside.

“Luckily, I had the horse that could get me out of trouble,” Fallon told www.thoroughbredtimes.com.

“The tracks here are beautiful, and the racing here is very tough. It’s very competitive and this is the place to prove yourself as a rider. I’ve learned and done as much as I can in Europe. I want to prove to myself that I can compete on this level.

“I’ve gotten a lot of track work. The trainers have been great letting me work the horses in the morning and working from the gate. For me, that’s the most important thing.

“I can’t change my style. Gary Stevens can go over to Europe and do very well. He didn’t have to change his style. I can’t really change how I ride, but I do have to remember how important speed is here.”